“Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, ‘These things which you see–the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.’ So they asked Him, saying, ‘Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?’” (Luke 21:5-7 NKJV)

Perhaps the truest statement ever made about the future is when Yogi Berra said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” Seriously, when I grew, we expected flying cars and everything to run on push buttons. We thought we would go to the replicator and order what we wanted any time of the day. We have a fascination with the future and that gives us something in common with the disciples. Jesus let them know that the Temple would be totally destroyed, and that ignited the questions. “When? How will we know? What signs do we need to look out for?” The TL/DR version of what Jesus said is that all the things they think will be signs will happen, but it still won’t be the end. (For those of you in my generation, “TL/DR” means, “Too Long, Didn’t Read” or, in other words, a summary.) We still have that same fascination with the end of times. In the last thirty or so years we’ve had numerous predictions of when Jesus would come again. And revised predictions. So far, all those predictions are batting zero. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I do know that I’m called serve God every day. Since I can’t control the future, I can at least focus on sharing the love and grace of God each day and help prepare other people to face the future.

How was the day? Dealing with people can be tough, did you reflect the love and grace of God as you worked with the most obnoxious people? (If you did, comment and let me know how you did it! I need help there.) Do you live for God one day at a time, or do you focus on how and when things are going to happen in the future that you miss the opportunities of the day? We live for the future by living each day in the grace of God. Make this day one where you take advantage of all the opportunities God gives you to show His love and grace.

Lord, I know You’re returning some time. Help me get ready for Your return by living each day in Your love and grace and showing others who You are by the way I live.

Now available in an eBook!

Daily Enduring Truth is now available in eBook format. They will be available two months at a time. The January-February edition is out now. If you want to be sure to have these devotionals available every morning, get the book now.